COMMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is reported to have said “I respect the decision of the then king” and “the king, after listening to the Pardons Board, finally decided to reduce the sentence (of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak)”.

Such a statement is allegedly construed as the government’s stratagem in evading responsibility. Some lawyers argue the responsibility for pardon lies squarely upon the federal government and not the king, who as a constitutional monarchy only acts upon advice tendered to him.

Under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, Anwar’s cabinet is duly represented by a federal territories minister, and the government is equally represented by the attorney-general (AG) and three other appointed members...